More exploring in Asuncion Paraguay
We wander down to the river. If it were not so cold, we would have taken the ferry to the other side.
We walk on to find the Palace. Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno). It is under renovation, and there is no entry. So we walk on.
We then spy a modern building a couple of blocks away. It is the Palacio Legislativo or Legislative Palace. It is a mix of old and new and looks great.
Across the road is a park. We meet a Guarani Native seller. He has this great bag but my son says I can’t buy it. I have to look local and not like a tourist. Darn – but he is right.
What I find interesting is the shanty right behind the park. The local kids don’t go to school and certainly don’t get homeschooled. They are in the park playing, and they tell us to keep away in no uncertain terms. I find it also interesting that at the end of the shanty street there are stacks of rather nice cars parked.
I am told here are the homes of drug dealers and prostitutes. They have been offered a home with running water and electricity 20 km out of town. They refuse to move.
I can’t remember the name of this building – maybe some-one can help me out! It is at the back – down by the river.
After that is Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. Again there are Guarani natives – selling their wares.
We find a few more markets and handicraft stores. The prices are fabulous, and their items are really interesting.
We head back to the main market square, where a lady is grinding the herbs for fresh tea. I love the aroma of the mint and lemon grass mix.
I put my nose right into the basket. Here you get to select whichever herbs you want. She will mix them and then you can sip your lovely cold herb tea all day. I don’t buy one of the flasks, but I do end up buying the silver straw spoon so we can make our own later in life.
I then eye off the wonderful handicrafts. There is an incredible top made with this around the shoulders – in a Latino style. So expensive but reminds me of the dresses I used to wear 30 years ago and that is no longer in fashion.
I just love their delicate work. Ñanduti lace and wood carvings (known as palo santo) are Paraguay’s most famous handicrafts.
Somehow we are back for another changing of guards. My son decides to have a go. Different uniforms than yesterday!
Inside we can see the special remembrance of heroes. We have another wander around. I think there should be more places like this in the world. So many lost their lives in battle in Paraguay.
We are still trying to find lunch. But another street, and more market stalls.
Somehow we end up back at the same restaurant for lunch. We had dinner in this restaurant and so we know that the food and service are good.
Next stop is the Casa de la Independencia. A lovely little white-washed building. It is time for some learning, and we like the fact that there are no charges.
At the entrance is this lovely mosaic, depicting the town as it would have been 200 years ago.
Inside, my son comments on how all the furniture is old – no kidding! They have done a good job of locating and preserving a little bit of their history, I think.
We head outside to the small courtyard, and it is really pretty.
There is a sunstone dial. We have a lesson on how the ancients of time lived, and how it is actually a backward clock. I was a bit disappointed as my son was not that interested – but still, the seed is sown for later discussions.
We then walk to the back of the two buildings. It is hot and I have a little rest. Along the walls are more plaques, and my son has a bit of a race around.
I walk in as he tries to enter the meeting room but he is immediately asked to leave by the guard. So we decide to move on.
As we head back to the Palace Hotel, we find a great building. There are smooth plates of gemstones in the walls.
We have more time here than at the museum. There are so many of them and he takes ages examining them all. We can see where people have dug a few out, but it really looks great – I think it is an awesome idea!
Asuncion and Paraguay, in general, is an untapped tourist market. Few Gringos ever bother to come here. I hope this country gets more support and visits. To me, it is just as good as Bolivia, and certainly an economical place. I hope there are some few more people coming this way in the future, as we are finding it a fantastic place to be. Full of friendly and happy people!
- Are you a family that permanently travels around the world?
- Do you often travel with your child?
- Does it scare you that the different cultures you explore might corrupt your child’s innocence?
- What strange norms have you encountered while touring around the world?
- Do share your experiences and Comments with us below.
